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Random Quote: you have to fish where they live...and be present to win.
Fordfisher: That was me. I posted a note about it a couple posts back in this thread.
The readers digest version for you and others: July 11, 2009, variable, left over 2-3' NE swell, outgoing tide, sunny. I went out of OI and was between the 2nd and 3rd set of bouys and was suddenly face to face with a 20' wave. I never saw it coming. I held on tho the wheel glanced at my son in the cabin and held my breath. I dropped about 5' into the trough as the wave grew straight up in front of me. I had just maybe a second to react and I gave it some throttle to keep from being pitched end over end. I remember the bow goig almost straight up and I punched through the wave. The wave completely destroyed my windshield and filled my boat with water. Pics of the boat in my previous post. The glass from the windshield clogged the scuppers. I was up to the gunnels with ocean. I gave it some more gas to keep the bow up and boat running. The cockpit looked like a yard sale. I ran back and forth cleaning out the scuppers untill the water drained. The wave tore of my bow hatch and cabin hatch as well. My son was in the cabin the whole time. When the glass came through the boat it cut my arms up with tiny glass cuts. They bled right much and mixed with the saltwater looked like somebody was cleaning a tuna in the boat.
I was lucky on many levels. Good strong boat, mid engine boat, all deck hatches closed, 4 large capacity bildge pumps, there were no subsequest waves, I didn't get washed out of the boat, son was in the cabin, no one else in the boat, was able to get the glass out of the scuppers, did not capsize or sink, no other damage or loss.
If the boat had sunk I could not have gotten to my life jackets.
I turned around and ran back to the dock.
The winshield frame was lifted off of the deck in front about three inches and was smashed flat all glass gone.
Everything I described happened in maybe 5 seconds.
With regard to everyones comments....I was you guys before this experience. I would hear about mishaps and always think the guy was a DA or did something stupid. I would say pick your day and you'll be fine. I've run out there in less of a boat than I have now many times. The day I went the parking lot was full, plenty of small boats went and made it out and back OK.
I have a second post on TF where I talked about what Learned with regard to why this wave happened and why inlets like this are so dangerous. The waves are unpredictable and can happen almost anytime when the "right" conditions come together. People tell others to "pick the right day" and you'll be OK. To me, what I now know, that's like saying if you pick the right number you'll win the lottery. I know different.
The outgoing tide is a river under the surface 70' deep and it ocillates like any wave does as it flows. The incoming swell hits the outgoing and creates a wave. If everything is in sinc it can be a monster of a wave. With the how everything constantly is changing in the inlet the waves can not be predicted. They are "freak" but guaranteed to happen.
Telling someone to "pick your day and you'll be fine" is wrong in my book. They can happen on a "good day" maybe less likely but it can happen if the conditions come together.
Sorry if I sound like doom and gloom. I've been out of OI and back more times than I can count. There is a reason all the charter boats are 50 to 60' and it's to get in and out of that inlet. I can't deny what happened and what I saw. What really concerns me is for any one to tell some guy "no problem" to bring his family down to go out of OI that has no experience in that inlet. He thinks it's like any other inlet he's been out of. Inlets in general are protected. Then him and his family gets in trouble. I'm sharing what happened to me so you will know and it maybe won't happen to you. You do not want this to happen to you. All I can say is be aware, be prepared, and be careful....and good luck.
You'll never appreciate life more than the day you almost die.
The last coat of paint goes on the new part tomorrow and I'll install it later this week. I'll have a new enclosure made soon. I'll post a pic when it's done.
ROCK ON
Bryan
Last edited by Rock On VA Beach; 08-03-2009 at 11:34 AM.
We canceled that morning because of the NE wind and the swell and the tide. There was nothing in the forecast that said variable winds and 2-3 foot seas. I knew it would be bad.
Plus, this is why I never follow the big boys through an inlet, especially in the dark. If there is a chance the inlet is going to be bad, I want to see it for myself in the light of day. The big boats can take it and a small boat cannot. Glad you and your son are OK.
I listen to Noaa every mroning on the way to the ramp.
No the inlet did not look like that. Not close. It was bumpy as usual but not big and knarly. Boats smaller than mine launched that morning and went out in front of me.
This was one wave, not a set, not several. Just one monster wave. On the way in I passed a bunch smaller going out.
See a post I made in the Carolina section where the thread is titled Oregon Inlet/Hatteras opinions. I warn of a east component to the wind prior to trip and any mention of an east swell in the forecast and an outgoing tide. I have seen this situation several times and took a monster wave myself once going out. In this case it was more than one.
I first noticed the charter captain up in the brigde in a panic looking right to left back and forth very fast. I said 'what is he looking at'? Then I saw Hawaii Five O. We went straight up and I was looking at the sky. I have no idea how the boat went up that thing and came down stern first.
There was another coming, I slammed the throttles forward and caught the wave before it peaked. Once out it was a beautful day.
I have also seen this trying to get back in. Patterned the waves for 20 minutes and made my break and stayed between em. My mother was praying in the cabin.
It takes a bad experince for lots of guys to start taking boating safty seriously.
See a post I made in the Carolina section where the thread is titled Oregon Inlet/Hatteras opinions. I warn of a east component to the wind prior to trip and any mention of an east swell in the forecast and an outgoing tide. I have seen this situation several times and took a monster wave myself once going out. In this case it was more than one.
Where do you find a weather forecast that shows the direction of the swell?
jre: Bouy Reports - NOAA Weather Channel - Most reliable source. Get a hand held VHF and listen on the ride to the ramp. That way you can always turn around and go home b4 you get there if things have changed. Then put the handheld in your ditch bag, you may need it.
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Nice Boat Circus - Good job on the Top. You know new 24's (same exact hull) are in the $120K range. Check out Bimini Marine in Ocean City MD. http://www.biminimarine.com/
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Trip: There was a guy that left before me that ended up posting his experience (my day) on TF that was nailed by a 15 footer, he estimates. He had damage but minor. He fished that day and said it was nice all day, caught fish. He left in the dark, I waited.
After my wave it was so calm that for a moment I thought of fishing. Then reality clicked in. I've never seen it really big on the ride in but I've surfed some respectable ones in.
Most, I think, won't hear it or understand it or maybe just can't or dont want to believe it. Most will never have it happen to them, my guess. I guess if you fish there enough your odds get better each time.
I'm glad you survived it as well. I guess we're now official members of the OIBAW Club
The Oregon Inlet Big A$$ Wave Club
woo hoo!
I'll get some T shirts made and send you one.
Last edited by Rock On VA Beach; 08-03-2009 at 06:53 PM.
I estimate my waves to be between 15 and 20 foot, the first one, the worst, was cresting over and curling just as I was going up. The second one was probably about 14 ft but I got to it before its started to curl.
I never leave in the dark anymore (it was not dark this day) and I do follow the charters, its just now I am looking past them, ahead of them rather than just what is going on between the stern of his boat and the bow of mine.
BTW, it was winter, I was striper fishing. Te water was in the 30s.
I guy on the TF thread lost a family member there a few years ago striper fishing.
You really have no chance if you go in the water that time of year unless your wearing a survival suit and you just don't see people fishing in survival suits.
Three charter boats had all stopped together just past the 3rd bouy. I think one may have have cavitated bad on my wave and checking for damage, don't know.
Any safety equipment you have needs to be on you or within arms reach, .02
So are you guys just talking OI or is HI subject to the same thing? I know freak waves can happen anywhere but I mean as far as undercurrent is concerned affecting the wave action? Does HI have the probability the same as OI?
So are you guys just talking OI or is HI subject to the same thing? I know freak waves can happen anywhere but I mean as far as undercurrent is concerned affecting the wave action? Does HI have the probability the same as OI?
Yes ,... HI can get very ugly and big. The wind that lays OI down makes HI an animal.
Headhunt, what exactly would you do before going out of HI after sunrise? I mean where do you go for forecast and what wind speed and direction and swell direction raises the hair on your neck? someone above mentioned at OI that the previous days wind direction dictates swell direction, what would be bad for HI?
These post I wont say are scaring me but I think they are making me aware of the possible and for that I am thankfull to all of you all.
OI is sort of a Love Hate relationship. Since I moved my boat up to OI I have learned to be patient. Yes the fishing is great and I cant remember ever having a bad day of Offshore fishing here. You learn after a few years of fishing OI when and when not to leave the slip. There have been many times where our boat never leaves the slip for a 4-5 day stretch due to weather or conditions. On the other hand we have fished 4-5 days straight and days where we have stopped catching fish early to try something else. We have done great with the early morning bite and have done just as well or better on a late afternoon bite. You learn fishing OI in a private boat to be extremely patient. Even thou I don't get out as much due to the conditions in the area you wont find a better place to take a private boat out if you like to fish. Many people try to scare others about this inlet and well they have good reason, it like all inlets deserve your respect as well as tests your boating and navigation skills. Take it for what it is worth be patient and don't expect to go out of OI every time you go as conditions can change very fast. If you are unsure of your boating and navigation skills dont go out. Dont go out if you only have one day to go out and you feel you have to make it out. Hey I'm not afraid to say lets wait for a few hours or a day to let the conditions change to more favorable conditions.
I have found that some of the most difficult areas are well before the inlet such as entering the channel heading to OI fishing center from the main channel coming from Wanchese, Hells gate, navigating the crack as it is ever changing and you have to know what deep and shallow water conditions look like, Knowing where to go under the bridge due to the shoaling from the north near the bridge, Once you go under the bridge knowing that you should hug the starboard channel markers. And last but not least know that the above change on a regular basis. This inlet and all the water ways around it is always changing so have fun but respect it.
This is one of my favorite photos of the inlet. Since this photo was taken everything has totally changed.... Mark
OI is sort of a Love Hate relationship. Since I moved my boat up to OI I have learned to be patient. Yes the fishing is great and I cant remember ever having a bad day of Offshore fishing here. You learn after a few years of fishing OI when and when not to leave the slip. There have been many times where our boat never leaves the slip for a 4-5 day stretch due to weather or conditions. On the other hand we have fished 4-5 days straight and days where we have stopped catching fish early to try something else. We have done great with the early morning bite and have done just as well or better on a late afternoon bite. You learn fishing OI in a private boat to be extremely patient. Even thou I don't get out as much due to the conditions in the area you wont find a better place to take a private boat out if you like to fish. Many people try to scare others about this inlet and well they have good reason, it like all inlets deserve your respect as well as tests your boating and navigation skills. Take it for what it is worth be patient and don't expect to go out of OI every time you go as conditions can change very fast. If you are unsure of your boating and navigation skills dont go out. Dont go out if you only have one day to go out and you feel you have to make it out. Hey I'm not afraid to say lets wait for a few hours or a day to let the conditions change to more favorable conditions.
I have found that some of the most difficult areas are well before the inlet such as entering the channel heading to OI fishing center from the main channel coming from Wanchese, Hells gate, navigating the crack as it is ever changing and you have to know what deep and shallow water conditions look like, Knowing where to go under the bridge due to the shoaling from the north near the bridge, Once you go under the bridge knowing that you should hug the starboard channel markers. And last but not least know that the above change on a regular basis. This inlet and all the water ways around it is always changing so have fun but respect it.
This is one of my favorite photos of the inlet. Since this photo was taken everything has totally changed.... Mark
Well said Mark, agree completly, clearly coming from lots of experience.
Headhunt, what exactly would you do before going out of HI after sunrise? I mean where do you go for forecast and what wind speed and direction and swell direction raises the hair on your neck? someone above mentioned at OI that the previous days wind direction dictates swell direction, what would be bad for HI?
These post I wont say are scaring me but I think they are making me aware of the possible and for that I am thankfull to all of you all.
Any kind of stiff south, se or sw wind and a falling tide plan on HI being rough, sometimes very rough. It's worse on the bottom half. We all call it tide but it's really flow. Example, low tide may be at 6:00am but the flow will continue going out the inlet for as much as 3 more hours. It takes a while to make all the water in the sounds change direction. That's the main thing you need to learn down there about the inlet. Also, an incoming tide and a NW wind will stack it up. A southerly wind and an incoming flow makes the inlet pretty calm.
Once through the inlet, my rule of thumb is I can fish a southerly wind up to 15 knots and a northerly wind up to 10-12. I'm talking gulf stream fishing. If there is alot of current in the stream a northerly wind stackes it up even when the green water is fairly calm.
Anytime the winds are turning it's usually better. When they turn it doesn't take long to start knocking those swells down then they start building from the other direction.
I have locked in on three forecasts sites that I trust.... as much as they can be trusted anyway.
Just respect it, take your time, get as much info. as you can and watch low and falling tides and a southerly wind at HI. OI is almost the exact opposite in terms of wind/tide and the inlet. If there is any question about how rough the inlet may be, pull up between the first and second set of cans and take a good look at conditions near the last set of cans. Seeing a little white water between those last two cans isn't too bad but if you see alot of it out there then you have to use your judgement. Maybe ease your way to the next set of cans for a little closer look. Much further and you are committed.
HH, thanks a ton for the info. I know its not giving away a honey hole but in terms of safety your info means much more. One question. On the buoy report it says wind wave height 2.3 feet but you mention that it is flat out there. Is 2.3 not bad? I really dont know what wind wave height is.
HH, thanks a ton for the info. I know its not giving away a honey hole but in terms of safety your info means much more. One question. On the buoy report it says wind wave height 2.3 feet but you mention that it is flat out there. Is 2.3 not bad? I really dont know what wind wave height is.
Look at this chart from the bouy. You get there by clicking on the little graph beside "Wind Wave Height". This morning it was 1.5 for a few hours then jumped a little now it's back down to 2.0 When it gets down around 2 feet its pretty good out there. Add "wind wave" and "wave height" and you get a pretty accurate picture. Right now the "wave height" is 2.4 and the "wind wave" is 2.0. You probably have four footers out there. Maybe a little more but when the wind wave is small, the conditions are much better. I've been out there with 3, 4 and probably 5 feet of wind wave. It isn't comfortable at all. Just watch these numbers as you take each trip and you will get a good feel after a while of what's good and what's bad.
